Self-ejecting key



Sept. 25, 1934. D. E. EVANS Y 3 3 SELF EJECTING KEY Filed April 29, 1953 INVENTOR.

member rearwardly against thecompression'ol the spring 14. When the key is turned to actuate the lock it cannot be withdrawn until it is returned to the initial position; As soon as the key is returned to the initial position the spring 14 acting against the member 13 and the opposite end of the slot 11 functions to forcibly eject the key from the lock.

In the modified form of my invention as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 the pin 12a is fixed to and slidable with the abutment member 13a, reliance being had in the heads of the abutment alone to prevent lateral displacement of said member. In order to confine the spring 14a within the slot or guideway 11a. the plates 1'7 are soldered or otherwise fixed to the handle of the key thereby forming a pocket 18 for the spring 14a. In as-= sembly the member 13a is placed .within the aperture 10a and slid along the slot after which the pin 12a. is fixed to the member 13a, the spring 14a installed, and the cover plates 1'7 affixed. The operation or use of the key being the same it willnot be described.

While either the preferred or modified form of my invention is capable of forcibly ejecting a key from any associated mechanism, it finds particular application with key controlled ignition and steering wheel locks used on automobiles. In such mechanisms it is customary to turn the key to the unlocked position, the key being retained in the lock, casing by the lock structure and cannot be withdrawn therefrom until moved to the locked position.

Motorists frequently turn the key to on position of the ignition switch or locked position of the steering mechanism and inadvertently leave the key in the lock. My invention provides for ejection of the key into the hand of the op erator immediately when the key is turned to such position.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention shown and described are preferred em bodiments and that various changes may be made without departure from thespirit of the invention or the claims.

What, I claim is:

1. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising a slotted guideway in the key shank, a lock engaging abutment member slidable along said guideway and a spring interposed between said member and one end of said guideway for normally retaining the member within the longitudinal limits of the tumbler engaging portion of the key shank.

2. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising a guideway along the key shank, a lock engaging abutment slidable in said guideway, a portion of said member projecting laterally from the face of the key shank and a spring interposed between said member and one end of said guideway for normally retaining the member within the longitudinal limits of the tumbler engaging por tion of the key shank.

3. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising, a longitudinally extending closed slot in the key shank, a pin disposed centrally of said slot, a lock engaging abutment member slidably mounted on said pin and a spring encircling said pin and interposed between said member and one end of said slot for normally retaining the member within the longitudinal limits of the tumbler engaging portion of the key shank.

4. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising, a guideway in the key shank, a cylindrical lock engaging abutment member projecting laterally vpin and interposed between said member and one end of said slot for normally retaining the member within the longitudinal limits of the term bler engaging portion of the key shank.

6. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising, a

guideway along the key shank, a lock engaging abutment member slidable along said guideway, laterally extending cylindrical shaped portions on said member, and a spring interposed between said member and one end of said guideway for normally retaining the member within the tum bler engaging portion of the key shank.

I. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising. a longitudinally extending closed end slot in the key shank, a pin fixed to said key at one end of said slot, a lock engaging abutment member slld= ably mounted on said pin and guided by said slot, and a spring encircling said pin and interposed between said member and one end of said. slot for normally retaining the member within. the W bler engaging portion of the key shank.

8. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising, a guideway. a member having a reduced central portion fitting and slidable along said guideway and a laterally projecting lock engaging portion,

a spring positioned within said guideway and interposed between said member and one end of said guideway as and for the purpose set forth.

9. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising, a longitudinal slotted guideway termed in the key shank, a lock engaging abutment member slidable along said guideway. means preventing lateral movement of said member and means nor mally retaining said member within the longitudi= nal limits of the tumbler engaging portion or the key shank.

10. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising, a longitudinal guideway in the key shank. lock engaging means projecting laterally from both sides of the key shank andslidable in said guideway and means normally retaining said member within the longitudinal limits of the tumbler en= gaging portion of the key shank. 1

11. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising, a longitudinally extending guideway, a lock engaging abutment member projecting outwardly from said guideway and slidable in said guideway, a pin fixed to said member and disposed centrally of said guideway, a spring encircling said pin and interposed between said member and one end of said guideway as and for the purpose set forth.

12. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising, a longitudinally extending guideway, a member slidable along said guideway. and having 9. laterally projecting lock engaging abutment, a pin fixed to said member, a spring encircling said pin said spring being interposed between said member and one end or said guideway and means preventing accidental disassociation of said spring from normal operating position.

13. An ejector mechanism for keys comprising, a longitudinal guideway in the key shank, a member slidable along said guideway and having 9. lata guideway along the key shank, a lock engaging abutment member slidable along said guideway and having a portion projecting laterally from said guideway, a spring interposed between said member and one end of the guideway for normally retaining the member within the longitudinal limits of the tumbler engaging portion of the key shank.

. DAVID E. EVANS. 

